Page 75 of Mr. Wrong Number

He nodded and smiled and then we shared an awkward half hug. He said, “I grabbed us a table by the window.”

“Oh, awesome.” I followed him and wasn’t disappointed, per se, because he was a handsome-enough guy. But I think I’d expected to feel some sort of awareness or familiarity with him, like a major connection, and it didn’t seem like that was happening.

I slid into his booth and we shared a nervous smile. I said, “I can’t believe we’re finally meeting.”

“Right?” He nodded and smiled.

“The whole thing is just so bizarre. I mean, you were there, so you know, but still.”

He said, “Right?”

Hmmm... two rights in one minute didn’t make a wrong, but three probably would.

“I texted and asked what you were wearing, and you said mymom’s wedding dress.” He gave a laugh and said, “The rest is history.”

“Yep. That’s how I remember it, too.”

“And remember that time you pissed off that guy about Hooters?”

“I do.” I waved to the waitress. “So, what is your name, Wrong Number? We can say it now, right?”

He smiled. “I guess we can. I’m Nick DeVry.”

I nodded; Wrong Number had an actual name.Nick. “I’m Olivia Marshall. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Two nervous smiles at one tiny table.

I cleared my throat. “So, what do you do, Nick?”

“I’m in finance. Snore, right?”

I smiled, irritated that the wordfinanceinstantly put the image of Colin in my head. “Good paying snore, though.”

“It is. And you...?”

“I’m a writer.”Please don’t ask where I work.

The waitress came over and took my order, and then my phone buzzed. While Nick was ordering a piece of cake, I looked at the message.

Sara:So...?

Me:Seems nice.

Sara:Uh-oh. Not a love connection? Sorry, kitten.

Me:Thanks.

I put my phone in the pocket of my sweater. “So what part of town do you live in, Nick? Did you grow up here? What’s your story?”

He leaned back and stroked his chin, or where I assumed his chin was under the brush. “Grew up in KC, and I live out in Millard.”

“So you’re a suburb guy.”

“That’s me.” He stopped stroking. “I’ve got hella street cred, though.”

“Oh, sure.”

His eyes twinkled. “Don’t make me prove it.”

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